DE3038103C2 - Device for displaying faults in a vending machine - Google Patents

Description

follows If there is no amount of money to be displayed, the Value »zero« displayed. A customer who realizes that the Display of the amount of money flashes, immediately finds out that the vending machine is defective, and will don't even try to insert a coin.

The use of the display device used to display the amount of money to display the The occurrence of a malfunction is also particularly favorable with regard to the production costs because it does not cause any problems Separate light required If a fault occurs while inserting several coins one after the other, the display device starts to flash and the amount of money that has been inserted up to that point is shown flashing In this way it can be determined which coin amount was inserted at the time the malfunction occurred and the maintenance staff can tell the customer the exact amount of coins inserted pay back, thereby avoiding difficulties between maintenance staff and the customer can.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display device for the vield amount also at the same time as a display device for the Disturbance codewords used

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings It shows

F i g. 1 is a block diagram of the control device of a vending machine, the control device consists of a microcomputer

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the sequence of one in the Control device according to FIG. 1 included program,

F i g. 3 is a flow diagram of a display process ED from FIG. 2 to indicate a fault in the main process and

Figure 4 is a block diagram of one of a fixed Circuit of the existing important part.

Fig.! shows a schematic block diagram of the control device, designed as a microcomputer, of a vending machine. A read-only memory 10 (hereinafter referred to as ROM) stores all of the preset control programs of the vending machine, including a vending operation process and a fault detection process. The central processing unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as CPU) controls all operations of the vending machine in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM 10. A memory (12) with random access (hereinafter referred to as RAM) which can be stored in and read out, stores the results of counting an amount of money and other information under the control of the CPU 11. An input-output interface unit 13 connects the various units of the vending machine with the CPU II and transmits signals between them. The coin switch 14 recognizes an inserted coin (or bank note) and generates a coin insertion signal corresponding to the value of the inserted coin. A blocking magnet 15 is used to uninterrupt or close the mini slot in response to a blocking signal CREM. The amount of the inserted coins or their balance is displayed on a display device 16 in accordance with the payment results of the amount of money. The display device 16 is attached to the vending machine in a clearly visible location. This display device 16 also serves to communicate the information about a fault to the buyer and to give the maintenance personnel information on the location of the fault. The output unit 17 outputs the article selected by a customer from the machine. It receives a signal VE indicating a possible goods issue and outputs, inter alia, an article selection signal SEL , which identifies a selected article, as well as an output start signal VS, which indicates that the output process is being carried out. Furthermore, a cancel switch 18 to be actuated by the customer is provided, which indicates when the purchase process is interrupted or ended, in order to determine the amount and, if necessary, to receive change. The switch 19 for the change payout motor generates an on / off signal by which the motor is driven or stopped. The change payment confirmation switch 20 serves to confirm the fact that a change coin or a coin to be returned has been paid out into an output compartment and generates a corresponding confirmation signal in response to the payment process The vending process of the vending machine, and in particular the operation of the vending unit 17. The signal VE indicating a possible goods issue is generated by actuating the switch 21, ν od is tested by the operation of the vending unit 17. In the exemplary embodiment described, the output test switch 21 is used to generate a command signal for outputting a fault identifier.

F i g. Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of an example of a control program stored in the ROM 10 and executed by the CPU II. After the power supply is turned on, a first failure detection program is executed and, if no failure is detected (ie, NO), the machine is placed in the standby state. If the insertion of a coin is confirmed in the standby state (ie, "coin insertion" is YES), the vending machine proceeds to the sales program. In the sales program, the familiar processes of "receiving money", "issuing", "receiving money" and "paying change" are carried out one after the other. In detail, the amount of coins inserted is calculated during the phases "receiving money" and ·: issuing ", corresponding signals VE are generated for those articles that can be dispensed within the amount of coins accepted, and after the customer selects an article and the dispensing start signal VS has been generated, the article selection signal SEL is generated when the dispensing operation is carried out in the sales unit 17. In the "Cash receipt" phase, the price of the item sold is subtracted from the amount of coins inserted. In the "Change payment" phase, the money left over from the "Cash receipt" phase is paid back as change. While the sales program is running, a second fault-finding program runs, with which it is recognized whether the necessary components of the vending machine are working normally. If no malfunction is detected while the second malfunction recognition program is running, the main program is safely carried to the end and the second malfunction recognition program switches back to the first malfunction recognition program.

On the other hand, if during the second failure detection program a fault is detected

the inserted coins are returned to the customer if such a return is possible, and a failure detection process ED is carried out.

The details detected during the first and second fault detection programs can be selected as desired. Examples of such details are given below explained. The following incidents can be detected during the first fault detection program:

1) When the coin insertion signal is continuously generated from the coin switch 14 (i.e., the coin switch is switched on)?

2) The cancel switch 18 receives the cancel command signal continuously generated?

3) Is the dispensing start signal VS continuously generated by the sales unit 17?

4) Is the article selection signal SEL generated from the sales desk 17 continuously?

5) Becomes the disbursement confirmation signal from the change payment confirmation circuit 20 continuously generated?

If any of the above signals are continuously generated while the vending machine is not performing a vending operation (ie, if the answer is: YES), this indicates that a malfunction has occurred in the switch or in the signal transmission channel of this signal and the malfunction notification process ED is in progress.

During the second incident detection program, the following details are determined:

6) Whether the money taking process carried out after the insertion of coins and a possible goods output signal indicative of VE has been produced, is the item selection signal SEL according to the lapse of a predetermined period of time is not generated when the item SEL signal is not generated, it is not known which item has been selected and the cash receipt process in which the sales price is subtracted from the amount of inserted coins cannot be carried out, so that this case is judged to be a malfunction.

7) The difference when subtracting the sales price ( denoted by SP ) from the amount of money (or balance) thrown in (denoted by K ) is less than zero (negative), i.e. the judgment as to whether "K-SP < 0?" In Fig. 2. If the answer to the query "K-SP <0?" Is YES, this indicates that the output was carried out in spite of the state in which output is not possible This is also regarded as a malfunction

8) The carrier switch 19 of the change payout motor is not turned on or remains on for an inappropriately long time during the change payout process (ie, the judgment as to whether "5 W 19 ABNORMAL?" In Fig. 2 \ When the operation of the The carrier switch 19 is abnormal, normal change payment can be expected, so that this condition is also regarded as a malfunction.

If the results of the interrogation of items), 7) and 8) described above are all NO, this indicates that the vending machine is operating normally, so that the dispensing program is continued. If the check of items 6) or 7) leads to the result YES, the inserted coins are returned, as far as possible, and the malfunction display process ED runs. When the result of judgment at item 8) is YES, the malfunction display process ED is performed.

The scheme of the fault indication process ED is shown in FIG. First, a code word indicating the point at which the malfunction occurred is temporarily stored in the memory RAM 12. The display device 16 is switched on and off intermittently in order to indicate the occurrence of a fault to the customer or the maintenance personnel. At the same time, the blocking signal CREM for the coin insertion is generated, and the coin insertion lock 15 is actuated, whereupon the insertion slot is blocked. The display device 16 shows the counter result of the coin amount available at this time. If a malfunction is recognized during the first malfunction recognition program, the value "0" is therefore intermittently displayed by the display device. On the other hand, if a malfunction is detected during the second malfunction detection program, the amount of money available at that time (0 or some other amount) is intermittently displayed.

In the standby state, it is checked whether the output test switch 21 is in the ON or OFF state. Is he in If the status is OFF, the assessment "Coin insertion?" Is carried out immediately. If the output test switch 21 is in the state ON, the code word that specifies the point at which the fault is read out from the memory RAM This code word is displayed on the display device 16. The output test switch 21 acts as an interruption signal for the entire program, in which the signal VE indicating a possible goods issue is independent of the progress of the program is constantly generated in order to test the check of the sales unit 17 when the ÄusgäbeiesiscriaiiEr to state is ON

In the event of a malfunction, the customer can recognize this from the fact that the display device 16 is intermittent turns on and off when standing right in front of the vending machine without trying to pick a To throw a coin into the coin slot. The maintenance personnel of the vending machine can cause the occurrence recognize the fault by the intermittent lighting up of the display 16, and also by turning the Output test switch 21 while observing the display device 16 determine the exact location of the fault.

An essential part of the coin-operated machine is shown in FIG. 4 as a block diagram of a circuit consisting of discrete components. An up / down counter 124 adds the amounts of the inserted coins and subtracts the sales price and the amount to be paid out as change from the total of the inserted coins. The respective count of the counter 12A is displayed by the display means 16. The error listed under 1) to 8) are detected by the failure detection section 22, which then generates a code word EC, indicating the location at which the fault occurred, the codeword EC is stored in the memory RAM 12B. Furthermore, a one-bit memory 12C is provided, in which a single bit is stored that the fact indicates that a fault has been detected FC receives, it is more likely to enter \ 2C in the memory. When a fault is discovered

the code word £ C is generated by the part 22, which specifies the point at which the fault has occurred. This code word fC is stored in the memory RAM 12s and at the same time a "1" signal is stored in the memory 12C. A flasher device 24 is then put into operation, with which the display on the display device 16 is put into the blinking state. W »- :; n at this time the count of the counter 12.4 is zero, the display device 16 displays a» 0 «intermittently. If the content of the counter i2A assumes a different value, this is displayed flashing.

All fault locations are in the memory RAM 125 saved. When the output test switch 21 is turned on, one designed as a gate opens Controller 25 and the malfunction code words stored in the memory RAM 12B become sequential read out. The disturbance code words are shown to the display device 16, where they are displayed one after the other are displayed. The control device 25 can be constructed so that the respective addresses of the memory RAM 12ß can be controlled sequentially with a single activation of switch 12, or so, that each address of the memory RAM 125 is called every time the switch 21 is turned on will. The flasher device 24 should be disabled when the output test switch 21 is switched on so that the flashing display stops and the fault code word is displayed continuously. The display device 16 can, however, continue to flash while the fault code words are displayed. There the contents of the up / down counter 12/4 normally Is zero when the malfunction code word is displayed by the display device 16, the arrangement can be made so that the output signal of the counter 12A and that of the control circuit 25 of the ^ Ainaeinriphtnno £ 1 Qber 5ίΠ ODEP.-ΤθΓ Supplied W6T-den. For safety reasons, however, the output signal of the control circuit 25 can be sent to the display device 16 preferred over the output signal of the counter 12/1 are fed.

The memory RAM 122 for the disturbance code words can be constructed in such a way that it stores all the individual disturbance code words Contains stored separately. To save storage capacity, the memory is RAM 125 however constructed so that the disturbance code words are stored in groups. For example, if the Display device consists of four digits, each fault code word is composed so that the most significant Place for displaying a group is denoted by a letter of the alphabet, while the specify a number in decimal notation for the other three digits. Because the letters of the alphabet that go through A seven segment display can be shown which are the letters H, E, F, P, L etc, these are Letters assigned to the most significant digit of the respective groups through the other three digits Numbers to be expressed within the same group are added to form a code word, and this code word is stored in a memory address of the memory RAM 12β by this arrangement the memory RAM 12B need only contain addresses in a number equal to the number of groups corresponds, so that in the memory RAM 12Bin considerable Dimensions of storage capacity is saved. For example, assume that the most significant Position of a certain group the letter "H" is assigned, and that the disturbance points of the group assigned code words have the structure specified in Table 1. For convenience Table 1 shows the decimal numbers rl four on the display device 16 digits displayed and not the binary code words of the letters B, C, D etc.

Table 1

Fault code word

(in decimal notation)

Fault point

H 1 00
HOlO
HOOl

1 DM coin switch 50 Pfennig coin switch 10-pfennig coin-operated switch

If a fault has occurred on only one coin switch in group H, the one corresponding to this switch will be Code word stored directly in the address for group H. If on the! -DM coin switch and the 50-pfennig coin switch a malfunction occurs, a code word is generated from the sum of the There are decimal numbers of the three digits of the code words for these coin operated switches, i.e. i.e., H 110, in the address for the group H of the memory RAM 12ß is stored. It should be noted that the Fault locations in the same group do not necessarily refer to the same fault type as the fault location need to relate.

A further example of the composition of the interference code words is given in Table 2.

Tabel

Fault code word

(in decimal notation)

Fault point

EOlO
E020

FOl 0
F020
F040
Fl 00
F200
F400

HOlO

Träeerschalter

Selector signal SEL

10-pfennig coin-operated switch

Sell price signal

Selector signal SEL ₂

50-pfennig coin-operated switch

Selector signal SEL ₃

Selector switch SEU

In table 2, the selection signals SfLi to SELx relate to the articles to be dispensed by the machine. If, for example, the selection signal SELi corresponding to a certain article is generated incorrectly, the malfunction code word “F 010” is generated.

counted (added) and stored in the memory RAM 12ß. If, for example, a fault in the selector signal SEL \ and the 10-pfennig coin switch is detected, the fault code words “F 0 1 0” and “F 0 2 0” are generated and the sum, ie the code word “F 0 3 0 «is generated and stored in the address for the group F in the memory RAM 12ß. The display device 16 thus shows the malfunction code word “F 0 3 0”. If all elements of group F are disturbed, the disturbance code word "F 7 7 0" is generated, which represents the sum of all disturbance code words "F 0 1 0" to "F 4 0 0" of group F. This malfunction code word is stored in the address for group F of the memory RAM 12ß and displayed by the display device.

For example, if there are four groups, E, F, H and L, the memory RAM 122 only needs four To have addresses. For example, if each group contains six types of breakdown code words, such as in the case of group F in Table 2, a maximum of twenty-four interference code words can be converted into only four Addresses are saved. When the decimal number of the three used for the clutter code words Digits is limited to a certain number, as in Table 2 (i.e. 0 1 0. 0 2 0 .... 4 0 0), the original interference code words can easily be determined from the sum of these original interference code words. Be it For example, assume that the display device 16 displays the fault code word "F 0 3 0". In In this case, the operator can easily use the two disturbance code words "F 0 1 0" and "F 0 2 0", determine if necessary by reading from a table.

If four groups (E, F, H, L) of malfunction code words in the memory RAM 122 (in the form of the sum the interference code words for each group) are stored, an arrangement can preferably be provided be, through which the disturbance code words of the respective group (each code word represents the sum of the Fault code words) are then read out sequentially one after the other by the readout control gate 25 each time when the output test switch 21 is pressed. For example, the disturbance code words of group E read out and displayed by the first time the output test switch 21, those group F by pressing this switch the second time, those of group H by pressing the third Press and those of group L by the fourth press of the switch. Finally gate 25 closes after the fifth pressing of the switch 21, whereby the display of the disturbance code words is deleted.

The fault display is not limited to the intermittent switching on and off of the display device, it can also be identified by the fact that a certain letter (e.g. "E") is shown. For an inexperienced buyer, however, the intermittent flashing display seems the simplest Way of being informed about the occurrence of a fault. The switch to initiate the display of a The output test switch 21 does not necessarily have to pass the code word indicating a fault location be. It can also be a switch that Exclusively for this purpose is present and arranged separately Since the output test switch 21, however works exclusively in connection with the sales unit 17 and otherwise no function with regard to the display device 16, it can be used as an output test switch 21 as well as a door without difficulty of the individual disturbance code words who is used

the. For reasons of cost, it is therefore very advantageous to be able to use the output test switch 21 together for these two purposes.
The malfunction recognition programs usable by the first and second malfunction recognition programs (FIG. 2) or the malfunction recognition part 22 (FIG. 4) are not limited to items 1) to 8) described above. For example, it can be advantageous to provide an electronic coin detector which has a primary coil and a secondary coil. A malfunction of the amplifier, which amplifies the voltage of the coin recognition signal derived from the secondary coil, can be recognized. Since the count value of a counting circuit for inserted coins is counted up by the output signal of this amplifier, an exact counting operation of the amount of inserted coins cannot be carried out; if the amplifier is malfunctioning, so that the customer suffers an unexpected loss of money. To detect a fault in the amplifier, an amplifier can be provided which has the same function as the amplifier, which amplifies the coin recognition signal (i.e. the output signal of the secondary coil) and which is connected in parallel to this amplifier so that a fault is always recognized when the output signals of these two amplifiers are not the same. If the same coin recognition signal (output signal of the secondary coil) is amplified by two amplifiers that have the same function, the output signals of the two amplifiers must always be the same if the amplifiers are working normally. If there is a discrepancy between the output signals of the amplifiers, one of the two amplifiers must be faulty.

For this purpose 2 sheets of drawings

Claims (13)

ι ² , i.e. only faults can be found Claims by inserting coins. Hence there is no ne possibility to contact a customer ahead of time 1 apparatus for fault indicator for a comparison handensein be informed of disorders to him purchase machines to warn with a device for ₅ recognize before he throws in the coin voltage of disorders, a converter for implementation When the occurrence of disturbances and place of If signals indicating malfunctions are displayed in digital malfunctions on the coin-operated machine itself, if code words are to be read by the user, a separate display device, which can be displayed on the outside, is normally required for the installation. Such an additional display of the amount of coins inserted or the device has the disadvantage that it can be overlooked by rounding the amount of coins still to be inserted, so that it throws in money, characterized by the fact that the display although the machine is not is ready for operation Em further direction (16) from a flasher device (24). if this fault display device (16) causes a memory not only to be a light, but a digital display (i2B) in which code words are stored that contain information about the fault location, each of which is one possible failure deliveries should location features, and that the data output from the invention is the object of a Heretofore memory (12B) from a Anzeigesteuerschal- 20 toward the anter in the preamble of claim 1 (SV / 21,? 1) and control means (25) DER To create a given type, which is controlled for the display of the type of crime that the code word that corresponds to a thing that a fault has occurred and for the fault that has occurred, when pressed, the fault location on the vending machine does not show any of the display control switch (SW2 \, 21) for display additional fault display device is required and is placed on the display device (16). 25 in which it is ensured that the customer 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is also recognized. indicates that each code word. ^ us a group. pe of malfunction points characterizing the part of claim 1 specified features and a multi-digit decimal number that represents the times. relevant disruption point of the group characterizes 30 The invention is based on the idea that both net that the memory (\ 2B) contains the sum of the decimal occurrences of a fault as well as the fault location or shares of the code words of the same group together - the type of fault on that display device men with the sign of the btf-effenden group, which is intended for the money display and which because it saves under one address and that it is therefore available at the vending machine anyway Control device (25) is the number of the decimal 35 Ie on actuation of the display control switch by the device for displaying a fault (SW2 \, 2 \) reads separately according to groups, ds-- prominent position of the vending machine, and kind, that in each case the character and the sum of the fact that the occurrence of a disturbance is inevitable Decimal parts of each group are shown on the display - after their recognition, if a customer, device (16) are displayed. 40 who is peeping in front of a vending machine, immediately 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is informed of the fact that the machine has malfunctioned marked that the display control switch is sufficient in terms of ease of use M (SWH, 21) an output test switch (21) that is already present in the vending machine is to inform the buyer of the fault in the Automall. However, this is insufficient $ ü 45 for the maintenance personnel of the vending machine, the special information is required about which % Position of the machine the error occurred. the end For this reason, the vending machine generates malfunction || The invention relates to a device according to the code words, each of the from the disturbance detector fi preamble of claim 1. 50 correspond to recognized fault point and in the memory % A known device of this type (DE-OS rather to be entered. The memory contents can 13 097) is used for this purpose, in the case of a vending machine by actuating a display control switch from Determine correct operating parameters, code maintenance personnel called up and display them ¥ and to be saved in order to carry out monitoring functions. The maintenance staff can therefore take the place to be able to ren. The 55 corresponds to the operating parameters at which the error occurred by pressing the ¥ appropriate code words that are formed in the machine. Display control switch based on the U the, are not displayed directly on the machine, but determine the fault code words. On the above fi dem sent to a central monitoring point. described way is the fault detection device ; | The vending machine is therefore not able to provide a “with one specialty: complete information about the i-, len display device provided for faults. 60 fault in each case both to the user of the machine S It is also known that pulses are sent to both the operating staff and the maintenance staff in accordance with the H run a vending machine arise, dispense with the help of respective needs. ψ To make light emitting diodes visible (DE-OS 26 12 269). As a display device for the occurrence of a fault jx Since the light-emitting diodes are each individually for the respective lers, the I ^ pulse paths must be provided, a large 65 is seen and for the display of the sum (or des S number of light emitting diodes required. The known balance) of the inserted coins is used as an indicator p device is only able to display malfunctions ; s ^; gen. that appear while using the machine, the relevant amount of money flashes